Skip to main content

Turmeric Cordial: For When You Want to Spice Up Your Spirits Shelf

Von Humboldts Turmeric Cordial with Fresh Tumeric
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you were with us earlier in the year, we wrote about how turmeric was going to be one of the trending ingredients in cocktails this year, moving beside ginger as something to imbue spiciness while also, purportedly, producing various health benefits. It only makes sense, then, that a company would eventually produce alcohol flavored primarily with turmeric (though, realistically, this product was in development long before we wrote about turmeric being the new “in” thing).

Recommended Videos

Von Humboldt’s Natur Wasser Turmeric Cordial, produced by Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile (they’re responsible for some of the sips on our Shotsgiving post each of the past two years), is named after the explorer Alexander Von Humboldt, a man who, ironically, never visited India, one of the primary regions where turmeric is grown and used in food, medicine, and more.

[Sidenote before the review: can we take a moment to appreciate just how explorer-y this guy’s name is?]

Von Humboldts Turmeric Cordial
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Appearance: Golden yellow. For those from the Northeast, this would be, I’d like to think, known as Inca Cola yellow.

Nose: Overall, very much gin-like. Citrusy notes in the form of lime (one of the added ingredients) and coriander come through more than the turmeric root itself. The neutral grain spirits present a slight burn as well.

Palate: Again, this is very gin-like in its creation. A hint of sweetness on the front (sugar was added to help balance the flavor), there are also herbaceous notes throughout, and these are backed by hints of spice and, of course, the turmeric flavor you’ll know from your go-to at the local Indian place, Chicken Tikka Masala.

Finish: Flavor-wise, somewhat of a short finish. The herbal notes fade and are replaced by a back-end spiciness. The warmth on the end lingers.

Final Thoughts: This cordial is really interesting, in that not only does it incorporate the gin-like elements I wrote about above, but it also could very easily be consumed straight as a digestif, as you would with something like Fernet or Campari. It works well in cocktails, too, to spice them up (I particularly enjoyed it in a Bloody Mary). Not an every day drink, but definitely something to have on your shelf for when you’re feeling creative.

Von Humboldt’s Natur Wasser Turmeric Cordial  is 40% ABV and retails for $39.99.

Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
Kentucky Owl’s new Batch #13 is the final masterpiece from a bourbon legend
Kentucky Owl

Popular whiskey brand Kentucky Owl recently announced the launch of its newest bourbon, Batch #13. It was blended and crafted by former Master Blender John Rhea. What makes the whiskey more unique is that it was the last bourbon blend created by the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member before his retirement.
Kentucky Owl Batch #13

Batch #13 consists of a blend of five different bourbons. There’s a mix of younger and wheated whiskeys and more mature and higher rye whiskeys. The blend is roughly between eight and nine years old.

Read more
This underrated Dunkin’ coffee is smooth, strong, and totally worth the hunt
Don't overlook this coffee staple order
Dunkin nitro cold brew

Nitro cold brew is one of my go-to, anytime coffee orders, and it never disappoints, no matter where you order it. Even though nitro cold brew has grown in popularity, I still find it a "harder to find" coffee shop order when I'm on the go. I crave something about this drink's velvety smoothness—something you don't get from a regular cold brew order.

But why isn't everyone ordering the Dunkin' Nitro cold brew? Maybe Dunkin' just missed the mark on marketing this exceptional drink, but everyone I've talked to seems to have no idea that Dunkin' even has nitro cold brew. Or maybe it's just that this drink is not available at every Dunkin' location. Everyone seems to associate nitro cold brew with Starbucks, yet this drink is available beyond just Starbucks locations. Here's why I'll keep ordering Dunkin's nitro cold brew (and telling everyone I know about this order).
Where to find the Dunkin' nitro cold brew

Read more
When it comes to Champagne, what does the word “Brut” actually mean?
Get to know your bubbly
Champagne flutes

There’s just something about champagne that makes my heart flutter. Maybe it’s the sparkle, maybe it’s that famous cork pop that signals the start of a glamorous time, or maybe it’s the way it makes any cocktail feel special. I love champagne in all its forms, whether it’s bone-dry and bracing or sweet and indulgent. But not all bubbly is created equal, and if you’ve ever been confused by the difference between “brut” and “demi-sec,” you’re not alone. Let’s break down the different types of champagne so you can sip exactly what you love.
Understanding Champagne sweetness levels isn’t just wine snob trivia — it’s the key to choosing a bottle you’ll actually enjoy. Whether you’re a brut loyalist or prefer your Champagne to be softer and sweeter, knowing the differences between brut, extra dry, sec, demi-sec, and doux puts you one step closer to popping the perfect bottle. Let’s break it down, starting with the term you’re most likely to see: Brut.

What is Brut Champagne?

Read more